Latest News
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D.R. Congo: A Call for Truth and Reconciliation
Justice in Democratic Republic of the Congo is mainly accessible to and protects the powerful, those who run the system, the politically connected, and the rich who influence decision making and can pay for years of trials. The poor and powerless are prosecuted and exploited with little or no hope except by subscribing to indigenous…
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Giving Voice to the Silenced Victims of Sexual Violence in the DRC
Women in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are the silenced victims of a war that has lasted nearly 14 years. The number of victims grows daily as massive rapes have become a rampantly used weapon of war. At least 200,000 cases of sexual violence have been reported, but because some victims were killed by the attackers…
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Reflections on the Synod: Where to go from here?
By Rocco Puopolo s.x., Executive Director The Second Special Assembly of Bishops on Africa ended in Rome on October 25th. But the process continues, and the main agents are those who continue to commit time and talent to this Synod. Bishops from around the world gave more than 3 weeks of their time in Rome,…
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Letter From Congolese Elected Officials to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
TO MADAME SECRETARY OF STATE of USA, C / o U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa, DR Congo. We, members of national parliament, elected representatives of the people of South Kivu, welcome your visit to our country and request that you convey our best wishes for success to the current tenant of the White House on the…
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Women of Wajir
In the early 1990’s, six women began a process that transformed much of the Wajir district in northeast Kenya. Attempting to cope with what was described as a “disaster waiting to happen,” these women formed a community-based approach to halting the violence. Their efforts should serve as an example to communities across the continent who…
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Toward the 2009 Africa Synod: An Interview with Fr. Pius Rutechura
AFJN recently facilitated Fr. Pius Rutechura’s visit to Washington, DC. He is the secretary general of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) which extends from Sudan to Zambia, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. Fr. Rocco was able to interview him regarding the upcoming African Synod to be held in Rome from October…
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Voice of America: In Focus Features Bahati Jacques
Voice of America: In Focus Voice of America features comments of Policy Analyst Bahati Jacques
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The Control Arms Campaign
The proliferation of small arms remains a daunting challenge for the African continent; its persistence empowers rebel movements and national governments to foment conflict and commit mass human rights violations. Recognizing the supply and demand pressures for small arms, non-governmental organizations have resolved to act. Three years ago, Amnesty International, Oxfam and the International Action…
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Clinton visit to Congo: What are the Pressing Issues?
Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, is expected to visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to raise awareness on the sexual violence pandemic among other things during her 11 day trip to Africa. The solution to this problem which has been going on since 1996 is long overdue. The United Nation’s report S/2009/362 states that about…
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Obama Neglects U.S. Role in Africa
On Saturday, July 11th, President Obama made a major speech to the Ghanaian Parliament on U.S. engagement with the continent. His message was clear: good governance is a prerequisite to effective development and “Africa’s future is up to Africans.” AFJN applauds Obama’s strong stand against irresponsible African leaders, but also has concerns about the reality…
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Post-Conflict Burundi and the Role of Ubushingantahe Council
Written by Barbara Vi Thien Ho. The legacy and the contribution of Ubushingantahe institution to justice and peace in Burundi is undeniable. Through the turbulent times in Burundi, this institution was politicized and lost its credibility, but now Burundians desire its restoration as part of an effort to rebuild a new Burundi for all citizens. …
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BRIEFING BOOKLET On the Occasion of President Obama’s Trip to Ghana
In preparation for President Obama’s short visit to Ghana, Africa Faith and Justice Network joined with a coalition of Africa-advocates to produce a Media Briefing Booklet on key U.S.-Africa policy issues. Click here to view the booklet, produced by AFJN, the Institute for Policy Studies/Foreign Policy in Focus, Africa Action, TransAfrica Forum, the Association of…
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Africa Faith and Justice Network Sends Delegate to 62nd United Nations Conference In Mexico City
Posted on September9, 2009 Fr. Luigi Zanotto, MCCJ, a board member of AFJN and our UN contact will join over 2000 global civil society activists at the 62nd annual UN Department of Public Information/Non-Governmental Organizations Conference titled, “For Peace and Development: Disarm Now! !Desarme Ahora! Trabejemos por la Paz y el Desarrollo.” The three-day Conference…
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Obama Trip to Ghana, Rewriting U.S-Africa Policy: What are the Issues
The President of the United States, Barack Obama, will travel to Ghana July 10-11th, 2009. Although his trip will be brief, it is an excellent opportunity to raise the issues that are of concern to us as advocates for peace and justice in Africa. Seeking Muslim nations’ support to write a new page in history…
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Video: “Come Clean for Congo”
Video: “Come Clean for Congo” Contest entry on breaking the silence in the Congo featuring AFJN staff
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AFJN Opposes Military Language in Northern Uganda Bill
A few weeks ago, two of AFJN’s core issues – AFRICOM and northern Uganda – came together in a bittersweet piece of legislation by the U.S. Congress. While it provides crucial development aid and support for transitional justice, the new bill (S. 1067, H.R. 2478) also includes a statement of policy that may allow the U.S. military…
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Promoting International Support for Community-Based Justice Mechanisms in Post-Conflict Burundi and Uganda
As part of AFJN’s ongoing research on restorative justice, staff members Bahati Jacques and Beth Tuckey wrote a report on their recent trip to Burundi and Uganda. It details community-based justice mechanisms in these post-conflict societies and what the U.S. can do to promote awareness and policy change. Click here to find and download the…
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Guilty As Charged? Oil Giant Shell Settles in Human Rights Case
Last week, Royal Dutch Shell agreed to pay $15.5 million to settle with the plaintiffs in a case charging Shell with severe human rights abuses in collusion with the Nigerian military. The case was brought by members of the Ogoni tribe, most notably the son of Ken Saro-Wiwa, an environmental activist and writer who was…
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Violence Escalates in Niger Delta
On May 14th, the Nigerian Joint Military Task Force (JTF), laid siege to towns along the coast, attacking from air, land, and sea. Although the Nigerian government maintains that the attack was targeting militant groups that obstruct oil flows, what transpired was a massive assault on the communities and villages of Gbaramatu kingdom. Thousands of…
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Impact of Small Arms Proliferation on Africa
The persistence and the complication of wars in Africa are partially due to small arms proliferation. The consequences of small arms on African people due to international conflicts within Africa, rebel group activities, mercenary groups, and armed gang activities have yet to be fully measured. The International Action Network on Small Arms, Saferworld, and Oxfam International put it in perspective when they reported that armed conflict cost Africa $18 billion each year and about US$300 billion between 1990-2005.
